Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced its acquisition of bankrupt consumer-genomics company 23andMe for $256 million. This deal includes access to a vast biobank of genetic samples from approximately 15 million customers. While Regeneron pledges to uphold 23andMe's privacy practices, concerns arise about the potential mismanagement of sensitive genetic data. As the sale includes not just individual genetic information but also data about relatives, privacy experts warn it presents significant risks. The acquisition could enable Regeneron to develop new therapies leveraging this extensive genetic data, further complicating the landscape of personal data privacy.
That kind of biometric data is both wildly valuable and widely sought-after, so when 23andMe went belly-up financially, its trove of genetic information quickly drew attention as a lucrative asset.
Said samples were willingly given by consumers in exchange for 23andMe to decode their DNA, a process that offered people a fascinating glimpse into their genetic makeup and family histories.
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